Search Results for: pregnancy loss

A missed period is an obvious sign of pregnancy. However, it is not the only sign of pregnancy. In fact, there are other uncommon signs of pregnancy that you may experience before a missed period.

Although a pregnancy test is the most effective way to confirm a pregnancy, a number of other uncommon signs can also be used to detect pregnancy. Nevertheless, most mums-to-be fail to recognize these signs.

What are these uncommon signs of pregnancy? How can you identify them?

Read on to find out!

The Uncommon Pregnancy Symptoms

Weird Symptoms In Your Breasts

1. Tender Breasts

In the early days of pregnancy, your estrogen levels would begin to rise significantly. Most times, this would cause your breasts to become tender, heavy, or sore. This symptom may occur in the week leading to your first missed period.

Furthermore, this increase in blood estrogen levels may cause your nipples to feel tingly, itchy, or prickly.

2. Increased Sensitivity

One of the weirdest and earliest signs of pregnancy for most women is increased breast sensitivity. In fact, this symptom may even begin as early as 7 days after conception. In addition, your breasts may become fuller, heavier, or itchier.

This symptom is so pronounced in some women that they even dread wearing or removing a bra.

3. Darkened Areola

Another weird sign of pregnancy is the appearance of a significantly darkened areola.

As your little one begins to develop, you may notice that your areola (the small circular patch of skin surrounding your nipple) has become really dark. Also, some women also observe certain tiny bumps, or Montgomery Tubercles, which appear around their areola.

However, it is important to note that the appearance of these Montgomery Tubercles does not always mean you are pregnant. Nevertheless, this symptom is closely associated with pregnancy.

Weird Pregnancy Changes In Your Digestive System

4. Nausea

Nausea is a very common symptom of pregnancy, which is often called morning sickness. Most women begin to feel nauseous a few days after the date of conception.

Have you started to notice distinct changes in how your body responds to food? Has the lovely aroma of morning coffee suddenly become irritating? Do your meals look more gross than inviting? In fact, does the mere thought of food make you nauseous?

You just might be pregnant!

Although it is also called Morning Sickness, pregnancy-induced nausea can strike at any time of the day. For most women, this symptom begins in the 6^th to 8^th week of pregnancy. In other instances, the nausea may even begin much earlier than that.

Studies show that this uneasy symptom is due to rising estrogen and progesterone (pregnancy hormone) levels.

5. Food Cravings & Aversions

Another telltale sign of pregnancy is food cravings or weird food aversions. Imagine waking up at 2 am and desperately wanting a bowl of hot pasta and ice tea.

Weird right?

Well, you just might be pregnant. In fact, some women lose their appetites completely or become strangely selective in food options.

6. Constipation

Sadly, constipation is another weird symptom of pregnancy.

During pregnancy, your body produces hormones like Relaxin and Progesterone which relax your muscles and slows down certain organ functions. Sometimes, the effects of these hormones extend to the digestive system, slowing down the normal digestive process.

When this happens, you may realize that your bowel movements have become less frequent or even incomplete

7. Bloating

Does your tummy feel rounder and bigger than usual? Are your pants now tighter on your waist? Do you feel a bit balloon-ey?

Yes, we know that bloating is a regular PMS symptom, however, the hormonal surge that comes with early pregnancy can also cause bloating.

Although some pregnant women do not experience this symptom until the later part of pregnancy, it may come up really early for some people.

Weird Pregnancy Changes In Your Excretory System

8. Increased Frequency of Urination

Are your bathroom breaks more frequent than usual? Has your ability to hold your pee dropped in recent weeks?

You might just be pregnant.

Increased frequency of urination is also an obvious sign of pregnancy before a missed period and it increases as pregnancy progresses. The changing hormones and extra blood being produced may cause you too pee much more than usual in the early stages of pregnancy.

9. Diarrhea

As we mentioned earlier, some women may experience constipation and gassiness in the early days of pregnancy. In other instances, the exact opposite occurs.

It is possible to experience the runs as an early symptom of pregnancy. This may result from hormonal, dietary, or just stress-induced changes.

Weird Symptoms In Your Mind

10. Mood Swings

A hormonal imbalance can affect the neural signaling process in the brain, leading to sudden and enhanced emotional outbursts. Interestingly, this can be an early symptom of pregnancy for most women.

If you don’t feel normal, take some time out to relax, speak to a friend. Experience some self-love; it’d help you respond properly to stressful situations. Please remember that more serious challenges with your mood in pregnancy need more attention. Please don’t ignore it.

11. Dizziness

Feeling dizzy and light headed is also one of the symptoms of early pregnancy before a missed period. This is because of the stretching of blood vessels which causes a reduction in blood pressure.

This symptom persists during the first trimester and gradually decreases in the remaining trimesters.

Weird Pregnancy Changes In The Other Parts of Your Body

12. Metallic Taste In Your Mouth

This is also known as dysgeusia. It is an awkward and strange taste in the mouth during pregnancy. This can be an early symptom of pregnancy which may persist all through pregnancy in some women.

13. Elevated Basal Body Temperature

The body basal temperature increases during ovulation and then returns back to normal. But in early pregnancy, it stays elevated.

This is due to the high hormone levels during pregnancy. If your basal body temperature remains high for 18-20 days after ovulation, then, you’re probably pregnant.

14. Fatigue & Exhaustion

Changes in hormonal levels can make one feel tired and exhausted.

This makes most women sleep more in the early days of pregnancy. In addition, its normal to feel tired and sleepy after doing a few chores while pregnant.

You can relieve fatigue and exhaustion by eating a healthy diet rich in minerals, iron, vitamin, and plenty of fluid. Read more about tips for fatigue during pregnancy here.

15. Sensitivity To Smell

There is an increased sensitivity to smell in early pregnancy due to an increased level of estrogen. It occurs in the weeks following conception.

When Do These Weird Pregnancy Symptoms Start?

Everything varies from woman to woman.

In most cases, some of these symptoms begin to surface on the 7th to 10th day after conception. On the other hand, some of the other symptoms may take weeks to turn up.

In Conclusion

Regardless of these telltale signs, a pregnancy test is the best way to confirm the possibility of a pregnancy. Whenever you think you’re pregnant, there are a number of easy and reliable ways to get tested.

Fibroids are tumours/masses that grow from the muscular wall of the womb. They are usually benign (i.e. they are not cancers). They affect between 40-60% of women by age 35%.

Can fibroids affect my fertility?

For the vast majority of cases, women with fibroids can still get pregnant normally. However, in rare cases, a particular type of fibroid( submucosal, which grows from the wall into the womb cavity) can cause infertility and/or miscarriage.

Can having a fibroid affect my pregnancy?

Most women would not have any symptoms due to fibroids during pregnancy. However, your doctor would be on high alert for some risks that may arise during the pregnancy:

Intra-uterine Growth Restrictions:

Very large fibroids may take up womb space and not allow your baby to grow optimally.

Premature delivery:

Carrying very large fibroids and a growing baby may over-stress the uterus, leading to a miscarriage or premature delivery.

Placenta abruption:

Fibroids may lead to a premature release of the placenta from the wall of the womb. This means oxygen supply to the baby would be greatly reduced and there is an increased risk of heavy bleeding

Breech presentation:

A breech presentation occurs when a baby is positioned with its legs towards the vagina instead of head down. In this case, depending on the type of breech, the doctor may suggest a caesarean section instead of vaginal delivery.

Am I at any risk?

Bleeding

This may occur during pregnancy or after delivery. Fibroids may cause bleeding directly or due to the issue with the placenta mentioned above. It”s important to note that this is not a menstrual period. The presence of fibroid in the muscle of the womb may prevent the womb from contracting fully to close off the bed where the placenta came off of in the lining of the womb. Your health care team can take extra precautions to avoid this by some manoeuvres or giving you some medication to support your wombs contracts.

Pain

Fibroids can degenerate. A process called red degeneration. This can be extremely painful and require a hospital admission for pain relief and fluids. Fibroids with stalks found on the outer surface of the womb can twist on themselves. This can also be a source of pain.

Poor contractions

Fibroids may disrupt the normal muscular structure of the uterus. This can lead to poor contractions and not being able to reach full dilatation. If the cervix is not fully dilated, or labour takes longer than usual, a caesarean section may be necessary to deliver the baby.

Post-partum haemorrhage:

If the uterus is not able to fully contract after the baby is born, there is a very high chance of heavy bleeding and this is a medical emergency.

Fibroids are pretty common amongst women of the black race. During pregnancies, they could be quiet or have effects ranging from minor discomforts to serious complications. Either way, with an experienced medical team, especially in Nigeria where it is fairly common, you will be fine.

Cold is a common infection in Nigeria, especially during harmattan.

Although this may be normal for most people, a pregnant woman would have to be extra careful. Why? Simply because dealing with any illness during pregnancy is quite complicated. Whatever happens to a mum-to-be affects both her and the baby.

During pregnancy, your immune system becomes weaker in order to accommodate the growing baby. However, this leaves you prone to certain bacterial and viral infections including a cold.

The common cold is caused by a type of virus known as Rhinovirus.

Sadly, it is easily passed from one person to another. Furthermore, there are more than 200 other viruses responsible for colds, making it so common in our communities.

In this article, you’d find the major symptoms of cold, home-based remedies and simple tips to avoid the common cold during pregnancy. Furthermore, we’d supply you with a few insights on the right time to contact your doctor if the cold is persistent.

Symptoms Of A Cold During Pregnancy

Common symptoms of cold during pregnancy include:

• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Fatigue
• Dry cough
• Fever

Remedies For Cold During Pregnancy

Not all drugs are safe to use during pregnancy. As a result of this, you must consult your doctor before taking any medication as a pregnant woman.

Nevertheless, we have compiled these home-based remedies to help you tackle the common cold without visiting the hospital:

1. Rest

Actually, your body may be stressed out and in need of rest. This may be why your immune system cannot fight the cold.

Whenever you notice a runny nose or continuous sneezing, try to get enough rest.

2. Stay Hydrated.

Water Works.

Sneezes, fever, and a runny nose cause the body to lose fluids. Drink a lot of water to stay hydrated. Warm beverages, chicken pepper soup, water, juice, hot ginger tea, are highly recommended.

3. Be Active

Don’t allow the cold to weigh you down. If you don’t have a fever and you’re not coughing, you can do some light pregnancy-safe exercise.

It may help you feel better.

4. Eat Well

Maintaining a good, healthy diet can help relieve your cold symptoms. You may not have the appetite to eat, but when you can, ensure your diet is healthy.

5. Take More Vitamin C and Zinc.

Vitamin C and zinc help to boost your immune system. Citrus fruits like oranges and tangerines, as well as mangoes, tomatoes, and strawberries, are rich sources of vitamin C.

You can get zinc from foods such as turkey, beef, eggs, yogurt, etc. You can also take supplements.

6. Prenatal Supplements

You can also take prenatal vitamin supplements which contain vitamin C and zinc. Just ensure you are not taking other supplements aside from what your doctor recommended for you. Please do not exceed the recommended daily dose (RDA) and avoid vitamin A supplements in the first trimester.

7. Saltwater Gargle

Gargling with warm salt water can help to ease a sore or scratchy throat.

8. Honey

Eating honey is good to help relieve cold symptoms. You can eat the honey directly or mix it in hot water with lemon.

9. Moisturize Your Air.

Breathing warm, humid air helps to relieve congestion. Steaming with hot water will also help. Try running hot water from your shower or bath and close all the windows and doors. The cool mist will also do you good. If neither of these is feasible there are humidifiers on sale in the stores.

10. Nasal Drops

Saline nasal drops and sprays are effective for loosening nasal mucus and soothing swollen nasal tissue.

How To Reduce The Risk:

To reduce your risk of getting sick during pregnancy, you should:

• Maintain a healthy diet.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Get adequate sleep.
• Avoid getting stressed.
• Exercise regularly.
• Avoid close contact with sick family or friends.

When To See A Doctor:

After following all the guidelines above, and the cold is still persistent, you should see a doctor. Also, if the cold is associated with any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor:

• Difficulty in breathing
• Chest pain
• High fever
• Loss of appetite
• Severe vomiting
• Reduced sleep
• Coughing out greenish or yellow mucus
• Dizziness
• Vaginal bleeding
• Confusion
• Decreased foetal movement
• Cold symptoms lasting longer than 10 to 14 days

You’ve got this, Mama!

Sharon has dealt with the pain all her life. In fact, she still had a sickle cell crisis a few weeks before the pregnancy test results came in positive.

Women like Sharon often wonder how to deal with pregnancy due to the risks associated with their genotype. Thankfully, due to the major advancements in medicine, it has become possible for women with Sickle Cell Disease to triumph through pregnancy and delivery process.

What Is Sickle Cell Disease?

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited genetic condition in which the body produces abnormally shaped red blood cells under stressful conditions. These abnormal red blood cells can be C-shaped or sickle-shaped. They have a high tendency to stick to each other.

They also aren’t as flexible as the normal shaped cells making it difficult to navigate tight corners in tiny or branching blood vessels and so on.

These cause blockages cutting off blood supply to areas where the vesses were orignally headed.

This is the cause of the excruciating pain and damage to tissues and organs that have their oxygen supply cut off. Such events are the cause of strokes bone infections and and so on.

Effects of SCD on Pregnancy

1. Sickle Cell Crisis. This is also known as painful episodes. It occurs when a sickle-shaped or C-shaped red blood cell block blood vessels that supply blood to the bones. This crisis can last several hours to several days. And it varies in severity depending on the person and the crisis. The crisis can occur in pregnancy due to the increased physical stress the mother is passing through.
2. Anaemia. Anaemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. This results in a reduced supply of oxygen to the various organs of the body. Pregnant women with SCD are at a higher risk of experiencing anaemia during pregnancy that at other times.
3. High Blood Pressure. Women with SCD are at risk of developing high blood pressure and preeclampsia (a pregnancy complication characterised by high blood pressure and organ injury ) during pregnancy.
4. Women with SCD are at risk of some pregnancy complications. These complications include miscarriages, low birth weight, and pre-term delivery.
5. Women with SCD are more likely to deliver through a caesarean section rather than a vaginal birth due to the increased complications associated.

I have Sickle Cell Disease…..What should I do?

Living with sickle cell disease means that you will need special care and attention during your months of pregnancy. You will also need to maintain a good diet and stay hydrated in order to stay healthy. When you are ready, your pregnancy needs to be planned for. You should be managed at a specialised center by a team of health personnel such as – blood specialists (haematologists), obstetricians etc.

A few tips…

1. Some of the medication you were on before pregnancy such as hydroxy urea or ACE inhibitors may not be compatible with pregnancy. Please inform your doctor 3 months before you plan on getting pregnant so adjustments can be made.
2. Your antenatal check-ups may be more frequent than other pregnant women without SCD. This is because of the nature of your health and the need to stay ahead of any complication that is likely to occur.
3. Apart from your routine pregnancy medication, you may be prescribed with some medication ( tablets and/or injections) to be taken throughout pregnancy. These are to prevent crises, and conditions such as pre- eclampsia.
4. Be careful of the medication you use. Don’t use any drug without informing your doctor. This is because not all drugs are safe during pregnancy. Therefore, ensure to take only prescribed medication.
5. There may need to receive one or more blood transfusion during pregnancy. This can serve as a prophylactic measure (prevention) to prevent complications.
6. Because of the nature of the disease, people with SCD usually have excess iron stored in their blood – even when they’re anaemic. Pregnant women in this condition may need to take prenatal vitamins that do not contain iron.

Conclusion

You can have a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery even with SCD.

Follow your doctor’s guide and instructions. Be sure to be in close and frequent communication with your doctor while pregnant. This will help in close monitoring of your health and early detection of any complication that may want to arise.

Malaria is one of the most common health challenges for pregnant women in Nigeria. Although malaria can be life-threatening, it is preventable. During pregnancy, the prevention and treatment of malaria in pregnancy is done with simple behavior changes and medication.

Let’s consider the causes, treatment and prevention of malaria in pregnancy.

What Causes Malaria?

Malaria is caused by a parasite carried by the female anopheles mosquito. These mosquitoes transmit the parasite to humans when they bite us. They prefer to bite at dusk and dawn.

So far, the strains of malaria parasites identified include Plasmodium Malariae, Plasmodium Ovale, Plasmodium Vivax and Plasmodium Falciparum. Even though Plasmodium Falciparum is the most lethal strain, Plasmodium Vivax, on the other hand, is the most common, and has a tendency to remain latent in the liver and placenta causing relapses of malaria.

During pregnancy, women have a decreased immunity that places them at a higher risk of contracting malaria. In addition to this, the weather condition in Nigeria also plays a major part. During the rainy season, mosquitoes grow faster and the spread of malaria increases.

Pregnancy and Malaria

Malaria is common in pregnant women. Their immune system during pregnancy does a poor job of protecting mums from malaria infection during pregnancy. Once they get into the bloodstream, the parasites love to hide and multiply in the placenta. ⠀

Immunity is lowest during pregnancy in the second and third trimesters. As a result, it is really important to be extra careful in this period.

Signs and Symptoms of Malaria

The basic signs and symptoms of malaria include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Diarrhoea
• Muscle aches
• Sweats
• Tummy aches
• Weakness / Fatigue
• Chills

Note that some mums may have the parasites and not experience symptoms. They can still pass malaria to their growing babies.

Risk factors of malaria in pregnant women

• Living in a region where malaria is common
• Living in a dirty environment: A dirty environment provides a good breeding space for mosquitoes. If a pregnant woman is living in an area that is dirty and/or there are collections of stagnant water around, she has a very high risk of contracting malaria. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water collected in disused containers, vehicle tires, clogged-up gutters, and so on.
• Blood transfusion: Receiving blood from someone who has malaria or has just been treated for malaria puts the pregnant woman at risk for malaria. The baby also has a chance of contracting the malaria from the mother’s blood in severe cases.

Malaria Drugs For Pregnant Women

For malaria in pregnancy, prevention and treatment must follow proper medical guidance. Your treatment depends on your age, pregnancy stage, and severity of symptoms.

Your doctor is in the best position to tell you what drug to use at that particular time. This is because certain malaria medications are unsafe in the first trimester. So be sure you are not pregnant or in the early stages before taking them. Others, if taken too close to delivery can cause jaundice in the newborn. However, the WHO recommends sulfadoxin- pyrimethamine as a drug of choice for prevention and artemisinin based combination for treatment of pregnant women with malaria.

Please, avoid over-the-counter drugs at all times. Ensure that your doctor is well informed regarding all matters pertaining to your health during your pregnancy .

Prevention

• Stay in a clean environment. Eliminate stagnant water completely and make sure that your garbage is properly disposed.

• Use of long acting insecticide treated mosquito nets while sleeping and mosquito repellent is encouraged.

• When you’re using mosquito repellents, ensure you use in the appropriate quantity specified by the manufacturer. An excess use of repellent does not equal an extra kill effect on the mosquitoes, rather, you are placing your health at a higher risk.

• Wear light-coloured clothes as much as possible. This is because mosquitoes are more attracted to dark colours. Ensure your dresses are full-length and long-sleeved especially at night.
• The World Health Organisation recommends intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) for all pregnant women. This is with a medication called sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine(SP) (Fansidar) for mums who don’t react to sulfur. From the second trimester, this is to be taken twice in pregnancy for regular mums and 3 times for HIV positive mothers. This treatment reduces the number of episodes of malaria. It reduces the chances of anaemia in mum and baby as well as infant death. Your doctor will advise on the dosage and timing.

Effects of Malaria on Pregnancy

• Anaemia : The parasite makes us ill by destroying the oxygen carrying red blood cells starving the tissues of the fuel they need to function and thrive. This explains the weakness and fatigue associated with malaria
• Miscarriages ⠀⠀⠀
• Low birth weight: Malaria can cause poor growth and malformations in the baby
• Still birth
• Malaria in the newborn: The new born also has a risk of coming down with malaria after getting infected through the placenta.

Finally,

Take care of your surroundings and ensure that your environment is clean at all times. Please try and get your doses of preventive anti-malaria medication during your antenatal care period. Not all fevers are malaria. Remember, it is important for every sick mum to take a test before getting malaria drugs.

Call or visit the clinic whenever you feel unwell. Please avoid the use of over-the-counter drugs at all costs.

Everybody loves twins.

Seeing them in those beautiful matching outfits definitely triggers the ‘feel good’ hormones in all of us.

Want to know more about twins and multiple pregnancies?

Then read on, this article contains everything you need to know.

What Is A Multiple Pregnancy?

A multiple pregnancy is one with two or more babies growing in the mother’s womb. It is the less common alternative to a singleton pregnancy, where there is only one baby.

How Does A Multiple Pregnancy Happen ?

There are two main types of multiples; Non-identical (fraternal) and identical multiples.

During ovulation, usually, only one egg is released.

However, if more than one egg is released and they are all fertilized by sperm separately it results in a fraternal or non-identical multiple pregnancy.

In some other cases, after one egg is released and fertilized by a sperm, it divides into two or more embryos before implantation, resulting in an identical multiple pregnancy.

Thus, identical twins arise when a fertilized egg divides into two in the early stages of pregnancy before implantation. Conversely, non-identical twins are formed when two eggs are released during ovulation. Separate sperm then fertilize each egg.

Identical twins have the exact same copies of genes, and they have the same sex. However, fraternal twins are not genetically identical.

What Causes This?

1. Fertility Drugs: The use of fertility drugs to induce ovulation. This can result in more than one egg released from the ovaries leading to their fertilisation.
2. Assisted Reproduction/In-vitro fertilisation (IVF).: This results in multiple pregnancy when more than one embryo is transferred to the womb.
3. Maternal Age: Women above 35 are more likely to give birth to twins. This happens because women of this age often release more than one egg in a single menstrual cycle.
4. Maternal Height and Weight: Taller and heavier women tend to give birth to twins more often.
5. Genes: This relates more the woman’s genes; a woman is likely to have twins if she is a twin or has siblings/cousins who are twins.

How Can You Stay Healthy During A Multiple Pregnancy?

1. Eat Nutritious Food: As an expecting mum of two or more, you need to eat more protein and stay hydrated. Also, you will need to eat some extra calories so that your babies will feed well .
2. Exercise: Consult your doctor to know which exercise is good for you at each stage of your pregnancy. Nonetheless, you need to avoid strenuous activities.
3. Rest : Do so much as you can. This will require support from family and friends
4. Attend Clinics Attend these regularly as directed by your doctor so that your well being and that of the babies can be closely monitored.

What Are The Risks?

1. Early Labour and Preterm Delivery: Sadly, this is quite common in multiple pregnancy – delivery is more likely to occur before a gestational age of 37 weeks. Also, the babies are more likely to have a low birth weight.
2. Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG): This is excessive vomitting in pregnancy . It can cause a significant disruption of the fluid and electrolyte balance of the mother, requiring hospital admission for treatment.
3. Diabetes: Gestational diabetes is more likely to develop in women with multiple pregnancies. Unfortunately, this may cause respiratory distress in growing babies.
4. Preeclampsia: This refers to high blood pressure (hypertension) that occurs in pregnancy. Preeclampsia is more common in multiple pregnancies than single pregnancies.
5. Delivery: The choice of delivery depends on the number, size, position, and health status of the babies. Often times, a Caesarean section is advised for women with multiple pregnancies.
6. Placenta Abruption: Most times, multiple pregnancy affects placental function. A placenta abruption occurs when the placenta becomes separated from the inner wall of the womb before delivery.

How Will They Be Delivered?

Most twins in recent times are born by a pre-planned Cesarean section. Less commonly, depending on the weight of the babies, health status of (mum and babies), and position, they can be delivered vaginally.

How Do I Feed Them?

It is perfectly possible to feed twins exclusively on breast milk with the right support and positioning. Most twins are nursed in tandem using a rugby position. Here mum positions babies with their heads in front beside her breast and legs pointing backwards under her armpits. This mimics how one carries a purse or rugby ball.

You will need nourishing food, hydration, and good social support. Don’t hesitate to request for what you need. Get a good breast pump so others can help with feeding. It is not uncommon for families to supplement with formula.

In Conclusion,

Having twin babies is a delightful experience although it comes with its own peculiarities. Read our other article on positive signs of embryo transfer.

While expecting multiple babies, it is advisable to attend clinics regularly. This allows your doctor to monitor the health of you and your babies effectively.

Finally, the complications of multiples can be reduced and managed better when you visit your physician regularly.

COVID-19 AND PREGNANCY: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Pregnancy can be stressful, we know this.

Of course, being pregnant during the spread of a global pandemic can definitely be overwhelming. If you are currently pregnant, we understand how worried you may feel.

Your mind has most likely been tossing and turning with questions about how COVID-19 would affect you and your baby.

As usual, we are here for you. Here are some vital things about COVID-19 and your pregnancy that you need to know.

What Is COVID-19?

Pandemic… Coronavirus… COVID-19.

We have heard these terms almost a zillion times these past few months. But what exactly is the COVID-19?

Simply put, it is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus called SARS COV-2

And yes, it is very, very real.

No, it is not a “white man’s disease”. Neither does it affect only “rich people”.

Anybody can get infected because it spreads through human interaction. One can get infected by staying close to an infected person who is coughing or sneezing. The virus can even be contracted by touching an infected person or surface, then touching one’s eyes, mouth or nose.

What do you feel if you get it?

Most signs usually appear within 2 – 14 days after exposure. The common symptoms of covid-19 include;

• Fever
• Cough and/or sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Chills
• Body pain
• Headache
• Loss of taste or smell
• Diarrhoea

If you or anyone around you has any of these symptoms, please stay at home and contact the NCDC (Nigerian Center for Disease Control) as soon as possible.

Note that some people may be infected and not show symptoms. These people can still spread the virus.

COVID-19 and Pregnancy

A lot is still unknown about the new coronavirus, although a lot of research is ongoing.

It is already known that people with underlying health conditions are more likely to have complications. However, no evidence suggests that pregnant women without underlying health conditions face such risks.

Furthermore, there are a lot of unknowns about how COVID-19 affects pregnancy. As an expecting mom, you are strongly advised to adhere strictly to the social distancing guidelines. Also take extra care to follow proper hygiene by regular hand washing and sanitizing.

COVID-19 And Your Birth Plan

Yes, we know. You already have a lot of plans in place, from your hospital, to your doctor, to your birthing partner, to your birthing videos and pictures, and many more.

Unfortunately, some of these plans may have to change. The level of change may be different for each hospital or birthing center, but here are a few things that you should prepare you mind for;

• Change of birthing location or center.
• Unavailability of your preferred doctor or nurse
• Compulsory screening for COVID-19
• Your birthing partner being restricted from entering the delivery room.
• Your doctors, nurses and you may be required to wear protective gear. `
• Restrictions on your movement
• Restrictions on the amount of visitors you can have

COVID -19 and Your Unborn Baby

It is still uncertain whether or not coronavirus can be transferred from mother to child.

Current research however suggests that it is very unlikely. In some countries it is advised though that babies born to mothers who have COVID-19 be separated from their moms for 14 days. This may have negative effects on breastfeeding. If you are well enough and choose to have skin to skin and/or breastfeed and your baby is stable, nothing stops you from doing so following these precautions.

Wash your hands before touching your baby, breast pumps or bottles

Try to avoid coughing or sneezing on your baby

Wearing a mask or face covering when carrying baby

Follow recommendations for pump or bottle cleaning before and after use

Express your breastmilk and consider asking someone who is well to feed your baby

RCOG. Corona Virus Infection and Pregnancy: Information For Pregnant Women and Their Families. Uhttps://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/covid-19-virus-infection-and-pregnancy/#suspected Accessed 13/8/2020

The benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the risks.

We know, we know. This is a very distressing thought. However, it is only for a short period of time, and it is for the ultimate benefit of you and your baby. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

How Can You Protect Yourself?

The best way to do this is to practice social distancing, especially if you are pregnant. Even if there is no confirmed case in your area, please stay at home as much as possible.

Stock up on essential items if you can. If you must go out in public, always wear your face mask and never forget your hand sanitizer at home.

The COVID-19 pandemic has left the world at large in a state of shock and uncertainty.

These are stressful times, and we wish the pandemic would just go away. However, for as long as it is here, we need to do our part to live through it. This is only possible if we follow all guidelines that have been laid down for us.

Wash your hands regularly. Sanitize frequently touched surfaces like door handles, tables, stairways, etc. regularly. Practice social distancing, avoid physical touch as much as possible. Doing this would not only protect you, but would protect everyone around you, including your unborn child.

It is our honest hope that you stay safe during these trying times. Once again, please remember to wash your hands and sanitize!

    

Hauwa started feeling the pain in her tummy two days ago. It started as a dull, ache. It gradually got worse even after taking some tablets of over the counter medication.

Her period was two weeks late.

She hadn’t given it much thought until now, although questions like “Could I be pregnant? I have some of the signs kept on popping up.

What’s causing this pain and why wouldn’t it go away?” Eventually, she decided to visit the general hospital near her house.

During the consultation, the gynaecologist asked a number of questions. One of which was, “Had she any history of Sexually Transmitted Infection?” to which she affirmed. She explained that she was prescribed antibiotics. However, this was after several weeks of failed self-medication and worsening symptoms.

The doctor examined Hauwa. Furthermore, she asked her to get a pregnancy test and ultrasound scan done immediately. The pregnancy test came in positive but the ultrasound showed an empty womb!  Where then was this pregnancy?

After a detailed search, an abnormal sac was found close to her ovary. There was a heartbeat.

The diagnosis was a ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy.

Hauwa was truly pregnant but the pregnancy was not in her womb!

What’s An Ectopic Pregnancy?

From double lines on test strips to early morning nausea. From missed periods to positive blood tests. The news of conception is one that is often wrought with mixed feelings. In some cases, tears of joy, in others, absolute shock and disappointment.

Regardless of the mode of reception, conception has occurred and more often than not, the fertilized egg has attached to the mother’s womb before she is even aware of it. This attachment provides a means for the growing baby to get the oxygen and nourishment necessary for its survival.

Any pregnancy in which this physical connection, between mother and child, occurs in any other site outside the womb is regarded as an Ectopic Pregnancy.

The most common site of ectopic pregnancy occurrence is the fallopian tube. Other less common sites include the ovary and the abdominal cavity.

Causes & Sites

Ectopic Pregnancies are caused by any factor which prevents or causes a delayed transport of the fertilized egg through the fallopian tube. This leading to its attachment to the any part of the abdomen, ovaries, various parts of the fallopian tube, or cervix instead of the womb.

These factors may be inherited from parents or acquired at a point during a woman’s life.

Some of these factors include:

• Complications of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) (e.g Pelvic Inflammatory Disease),
• Masses or tumours of the ovary
• Poorly done abortions
• Smoking
• Fertility treatments and
• Previous ectopic pregnancies.

What Does It Feel Like To Have An Ectopic Pregnancy?

In Nigeria, Ectopic Pregnancies make up 2-5% of all women’s health related emergencies. This statistic rises with every day. As it is with some health conditions, ectopic pregnancies don’t show symptoms till a rupture happens.

The common warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy are:

• light vaginal bleeding
• lower abdominal pain.

As the pregnancy goes on, other observable symptoms like:

• Observing you have missed your menstrual period
• A swelling in your tummy may occur

In extreme situations of tubal pregnancy, the tubes may rupture, resulting in heavy bleeding. Other symptoms of this life-threatening situation may include lightheadedness, fainting spells and shock.

Is It Preventable?

It is essential to note that depending on the location, an ectopic pregnancy cannot proceed normally. In fact, the embryo cannot survive and the growing tissue may result in life-threatening bleeding if left untreated.

As a precaution for mums, it is advisable to conduct a scan. This determines the actual pregnancy site, especially if you have a history of ectopic pregnancy.

There is no hard and fast rule for prevention. The key to reducing its incidence lies in reducing the risk factors. Certain practices that have proven to be effective include:

Safe Abortion Practices

This serves to reduce the risk of an infection occurring after an abortion procedure. Whenever an abortion is necessary, a government certified hospital with qualified medical personnel is the best option.

Safe Sexual Behavior

Limiting the number of sexual partners and proper contraceptive education/use would help women like Hauwa reduce the risk of contracting certain STIs which may eventually result in Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases that can increase the chances of an Ectopic Pregnancy.

Safe Contraception

Every woman who aims to reduce her predisposition to ectopic pregnancies should consult qualified gynaecologists before selecting a plan. Furthermore, progesterone-only pills, as well as Intra-Uterine Devices (IUDs) may increase the risk of Ectopic Pregnancies.

Lifestyle Modifications

Smoking has been observed to increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy by up to four times. Therefore, women of reproductive age (12- 51 years) are advised to refrain from smoking².

Seeking Medical Care Early

When infections arise, women are advised to promptly seek proper medical care. Proper treatment would ensure that the risk of a recurrence is minimal and the threat of an ectopic pregnancy in the future is greatly reduced.

Can Ectopic Pregnancies Be Managed?

An ectopic pregnancy, especially in the fallopian tube, is an emergency. Most ectopic sites are not wired to house and sustain a growing baby. If left undetected, it can rupture and cause heavy internal bleeding. This is totally different from threatened abortion.

Although it can lead to death in severe cases. Once discovered, the way Hauwa’s condition will be handled depends on the stage of the pregnancy as well as her physical condition at the time of diagnosis.

The most probable options include medical management with the administration of abortion medications, like Trophotoxics, at the site of the ectopic pregnancy. In addition to this, surgery might be required, especially in severe cases. Depending on the location of the pregnancy, a damaged ovary or tube may be removed.

 You are not alone in this

Sadly, this condition is not unique to Hauwa, as a number of women in our society suffer this from time to time. In most cases, the pain is obvious to the people around them and family and friends may be at loss for what to do and how to help.

Therefore, everyone needs to have information on how to handle this situation as it takes a great toll on the emotional and mental health status of an affected woman.

Fortunately, a diagnosis of Ectopic Pregnancy is not a death sentence if discovered on time. With one tube and ovary you will still go on to have pregnancies in future .